Hidden Lake, an overnight parking site for recreational vehicles, claims it purchased a manufactured building from Metal Building Manufacturers in December 2007. According to the suit, Hidden Lake intended to use the building as a safe haven where visitors could go in the event of severe wind and rain.

When Hidden Lake purchased the structure, it told Metal Building that it wanted the building to be rated to withstand winds of up to 150 miles per hour, according to the complaint.

Whirlwind Steel Buildings manufactured the building in Houston and it was delivered by Metal Building in February 2008. The installation at Hidden Lake was completed in April 2008.

Hidden Lake attempted to obtain a certificate of occupancy and insurance on the building, but according to the complaint it was unable to because the structure's doors did not have a wind rating.